Insights
Let’s talk about the different types of car washes in Singapore.
We’re not going to talk about self-washes where you bring your own bucket and cloth, but general car wash services you can get here.
In Singapore, car wash services generally fall into four main categories:
Each serves a different purpose, budget and level of care.
Car wash bays are the ones that you can typically find at HDB multistorey carparks.
You can spot it easily by looking for a bright orange or blue coloured box near a wall, located at the lower levels of the carpark, tucked in a corner. And if you’re lucky enough, you’ll see a random uncle or young chap using it to wash their car.
It’s a compact car wash machine, where users would insert coins (often 20-cent coins) to dispense about 30 seconds of water. So if you’re using it, do remember to bring a bunch of 20 cent coins!
Depending on the machine, it offers functions like jet wash, foam wash and vacuum. Currently, these car wash bays are charging anywhere between 20 cents to $3 for each service, at a fixed duration.
For extended use, charges can go anywhere up to $6 for 10 minutes or more.
On average, a car wash at a car wash bay costs around $4 to $30 per wash depending on machine, service level and vehicle size.
Here’s a rough guide of car wash bay costs in Singapore according to brands:
So if you’re considering a quick wash with your own two hands, this might be the most budget-friendly option that people would go for.
Petrol station car washes in Singapore can be a hit or miss. If you get a good attendant, you’re in luck. Otherwise, you’ll suffer the fate of an unsatisfactory wash with dirt still intact on your car.
There are two main types:
There aren’t many automated car washes at the petrol station. And for an obvious reason - because they don’t come cheap.
Like any other automated car washes, you drive your car into the wash and undergo a pre-rinse. There will be brushes and rollers that move around your car while soap is sprayed, followed by a final wash and an industrial blow dry or a manual wipe down.
A typical automated car wash at a petrol station costs around $11 to $15 dollars.
It takes about 10 to 15 minutes so it’s quite fast and convenient if you’re already refuelling.
However, the downsides are swirl marks and fine scratches from the brushes/rollers, and there is also less attention on the rims as opposed to manual car washes. The machine may also not be able to clean off stubborn dirt very well.
Petrol station car washes in Singapore have a reputation for not being thorough enough.
So if you want a positive experience, remember to look up on Google Reviews before you visit the outlet!
These are the rough price points for petrol station car washes:
Click here to find the nearest petrol station car wash near you.
Alternatively, you can read our reviews on Express Autoshine @ Lok Yang or Quantum Detailing!
Touchless car washes like Autowash24 and Driveline have been gaining popularity, especially among drivers who are worried about scratches from traditional automated brush systems.
Instead of brushes, these machines use active foam and high-pressure water jets to remove dirt without physically touching the car. This reduces the risk of swirl marks, which is one of the main reasons some car owners prefer this option.
That said, because there’s no scrubbing involved, the cleaning may not be as thorough — especially for stubborn dirt, brake dust, or grime trapped in tight areas.
This option is generally best for car owners who want a quick maintenance cleaning when his or her car isn’t too dirty, and pays extra care in protecting their car paint.
If you’d like a professional wash, you can head to a detailer.
As opposed to a typical car wash, detailing is a deeper, more thorough clean for both the interior and exterior of your car.
They have services like interior and exterior detailing, ceramic coating, fumigation and more.
A detailing service costs around $50 to $700, and it takes anywhere from 40 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the service level and size of the vehicle.
It’s a great choice if you’re planning to sell your car, or restore it to its original condition. Detailing also helps to deal with mishaps like spillage, stains or pet fur (or even vomit).
Click here to search for car detailers near me.
There’s no single “best” car wash — it depends on your needs.
With so many options available — from HDB car wash bays to petrol stations and professional detailers, knowing where to go can be overwhelming.
To help you, we've created noto's car wash directory here to make your life easier! Find a car wash near you today.
1. What is the cheapest car wash in Singapore?
Car wash bays at HDB carparks are usually the cheapest, costing as little as $4–$6 for a basic wash.
2. Are petrol station car washes bad for your car?
Not necessarily, but automated brushes and reused cloths can cause swirl marks over time if quality control is poor.
3. Is touchless car wash better than normal car wash?
Touchless washes reduce scratching risk but may use stronger chemicals and may not clean heavy dirt as effectively.
4. How often should I detail my car in Singapore?
Most drivers detail their cars once or twice a year, depending on usage and exposure.
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